John Calvin Commentary Joshua 22:1

"Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh," — Joshua 22:1 (ASV)

Then Joshua called the Reubenites, etc. This passage relates the discharge of the two tribes and half-tribe. They had accompanied the rest of the people, not to acquire anything for themselves—since they had already obtained dwellings and lands without the casting of lots—but so that they might wage war alongside their brothers until their brothers also had a secure inheritance.

Now, since they had been faithful companions and helpers to their brothers, Joshua declares that they were entitled to their discharge, and so sends them back to their homes, released and free. The question is asked, however, how he can consider them to have performed their due measure of military service while the enemy still possessed part of the land, the sole possession of which was to be the proper termination of the war?

But if we keep in mind what I said recently, the difficulty will be resolved. If the Israelites had followed God’s invitation and supported His work—indeed, if, when He was stretching out His hand to them, they had not shamefully drawn back—the remaining part of the war would have been finished with no danger and little trouble.

Therefore, because of their own sloth, they refused what God was ready to bestow. And so it happened that the agreement by which the two tribes and half-tribe had bound themselves ceased to be binding.

For the only obligation they had undertaken was to accompany the ten tribes and contend for their inheritance as strenuously as if their own condition had been exactly the same.

Now, since they have perseveringly performed their part as faithful allies, and the ten tribes—content with their present situation—not only do not demand but rather tacitly repudiate their assistance, a free return to their homes is justly allowed them.

Indeed, they deserve praise for their patient endurance, for not allowing weariness from the service to make them request their discharge, but instead waiting quietly until Joshua, of his own accord, sent for them.